Dave Cobb Named New Owner of Historic RCA Studio A

Celebrated producer Dave Cobb will soon hold the keys to one of Nashville’s most historic studios.

For nearly 14 years, musician Ben Folds has rented the property, located on Music Row. Folds says his decision to give up ownership is due to his busy touring schedule, along with a number of other musical projects which regularly take him away from the Music City.

“I know the studio will be in good hands with Dave Cobb,” Folds said in a statement. “Dave is familiar with the history and inner workings of Studio A and he represents a bright future for Music Row.”

Cobb, who is known for his production work on Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson‘s recent albums, also plans to take up residency at the studio. So far, it’s unclear what projects he has lined up for the coming months.

“I’m proud to be entrusted with the keys to one of the best-sounding rooms in the world,” Cobb said. “My plan is simple: Honor the history of Studio A while making sure its unique sound carries forward onto new songs and albums with new artists.”

Back in 2014, it was announced that Studio A was set to be torn down and replaced with a set of condominiums. Many artists, including Keith Urban and Justin Timberlake, voiced their anger over the decision. Just hours before the deal closed, Curb Records founder Mike Curb and local philanthropists Chuck Elcan and Aubrey Preston joined together to buy the studio and save one of the city’s most important landmarks.